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Change Makers X: Mr & Mrs Smith

Perfecting the ‘Slowlife’: overcoming the storm – Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström, Soneva

About This Episode

In this Change Makers series in collaboration with Mr & Mrs Smith, we explore the travel industry’s role in delivering a more sustainable future in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the growing climate emergency.

This week Michael Hayman is joined by Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström Shivdasani, founders of Soneva. A connection to the Maldives that started with a trip in 1995 for Eva, where she visualised potential for a new way of life. Over 25 years later, Eva and Sonu have created three stunning Soneva hotels which have responsibility, sustainability and luxury at their core.

Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström, Soneva

Think of Soneva’s journey as an onion, says Sonu, with endless layers of discovery, and this is what you can expect during a stay at any one of the hotels. There’s always something new to discover about how Soneva is making luxury sustainable – even when you think you’ve done everything possible. From recycling glass on site, to preserving local environments (particularly fragile marine ecosystems), to sourcing produce from local farmers and fishermen. Listen to how they have perfected the practice of the Slowlife (sustainable, local, organic, wellness, learning, inspired, fun, experiences) philosophy.

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Lockdown List

What is a book that has changed your life?

Sonu: As an entrepreneur running a business, two books have been instrumental in the way I manage and how our organization has evolved: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, and “Hostage at the Table” by George Kohlrieser. George, qualified in psychology and joined the New York Police Department (NYPD) as a Hostage Negotiator. He was taken hostage five times during his career. He then retired from the NYPD and started a second life as a Management Thinker and Business School teacher. He has been on the faculty of IMD for many years. His book is a fantastic insight into leadership, the importance of creating bonds, dealing with grief and creating new attachments, as well as about secure base leadership.

What are you watching at the moment?

Sonu: We have seen some amazing documentaries recently such as “My Octopus Teacher”, “The Little Big Farm”, and David Attenborough’s “A Life on our Planet”. Whilst Eva and I love series, we find them a bit painful as one becomes addicted and it is always a challenge to find the